Cynomys mexicanus

Mexican Prairie Dog


Classification

Geographic Range

Nearctic: This species of prairie dog has a fairly limited distribution; it is found only within parts of Mexico.

Physical Characteristics

Mass: 900 to 1210 g

This species is sexually dimorphic, with males being slightly larger and heavier than females. Length ranges from 385 to 440 mm. Coloration of males and females is the same; they are a light buff color with stippled black hairs. They have two distinct coats, one during the summer and one with thick underfur during the winter. The distal half of the tail is black, which distinguishes them in appearance from most other species in the genus.

Natural History

Food Habits

The ecology of this species has not yet been intensively studied, so little is known about their food habits. They probably eat a variety of grasses and herbs.

Reproduction

Females bear a single litter each year, but they apparently may do so any time from late winter into summer. If this species is similar to others in the genus, then gestation time is about one month and litter size is about five. The pups are born blind and hairless; they are completely furred by the age of 4 weeks and their eyes open shortly afterwards. Weaning takes place between the ages of 40 and 50 days, and by the age of 5 months the juveniles have reached adult size.

Behavior

Mexican prairie dogs are very social, living in colonies containing several adults of both sexes and young of various ages. Group size varies with habitat availability but can be as large as several hundred. They live in burrows that descend either spirally or straight down from the surface to about 3 feet underground, then flatten out into a horizontal tunnel system. Excavated dirt is piled in a mound at the burrow entrance, and the animals often use this mound as an aid in watching for predators. If a potential predator (such as a coyote, badger, weasel, or bird of prey) is seen, an alarm call is given and the prairie dogs dash into the burrow for safety. The animals are active during all daylight hours, and probably all year long.

Habitat

Mexican prairie dogs live in flat areas (valleys and prairies) from 1600 to 2200 meters in elevation. They favor deep soils that are free from rocks and covered with herbs and grasses.